With the NFL Draft taking place this weekend, we can expect surprising picks, impactful trades, and memorable moments. As fun and nerve-racking as it is for the players waiting to be picked, there’s an added stress for the teams “on the clock” making crucial decisions.

One of my dreams as a sports fan is to witness firsthand what takes place in the draft room of one of the franchises. From the back and forth phone calls…to the heated debates about players…to the shifting of plans midway through…to keeping up with countless scouting reports, it’s got to be completely chaotic, stressful, exhilarating, and pressure-filled – all at the same time!

Although I’d enjoy being a bystander in the craziness of a team’s draft room, sometimes I find myself as an active participant in the pandemonium of my own life.

All too often I’m in the middle of a distressed, overwhelming, head-spinning season of life with everything moving at a rapid pace. I feel like I’m “on the clock” and can’t keep up with all of the decisions that need to be made and the options that need to be considered.

Everyone knows these same challenges from time to time. The reality, however, is that we can’t thrive or even survive in the mayhem unless we rely on Jesus for strength and peace. Even when we can’t prevent stressful situations, we must remember to pause and invite Christ to get us through.

These Bible verses provide encouragement for stressful and difficult times in life:

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT) says, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.”

We can repeat this prayer from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) – “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!”

And Psalm 29:11 (NLT) tells us, “The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”

Today as we consider our own “draft room” or situation that causes us to be “on the clock,” let’s remember that peace and strength are found in Jesus. Let’s rely on Him for clarity as we seek to make wise selections and overcome the chaos of the moment.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I find myself overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. I can’t get through this alone and I need the strength and peace that are found in Jesus. Help me not to let the craziness and chaos of life take me off course, but instead allow me to cling closer to You. Thank you for peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.